An article insanely titled Is the Death of Java Script Upon Us, or Is a Universal Language Transformation Underway? was posted on TechCrunch recently. Since its posting, it’s gotten one thousand Tweets and a lion’s share on LinkedIn.
In reading the entire article (twice), I had to ask:
“Are you insane?!”
The issue with how large the code-base becomes is not the question at hand. Were that the case, jQuery and other comprehensive script libraries would’ve fallen out of the running long ago. Neither is the question about whether JavaScript compatibility and maintainability: there are already too many cross-browser considerations in web development. For example, can you think of a bigger hassle than CSS?
To Client-Side or Not to Client-Side: That is the Question
The real issue at hand with JavaScript should always come down to the needs of your application. Does it make sense to use JavaScript? It certainly has some value by reducing the number of server-side post-backs, thereby enhancing performance. You should also consider how rich you wish to make the user experience; again, something dictated by the needs of the application. It’s not about being “trendy” and it surely isn’t about its comparability with Flash or calls through compiled code.
The fact is that JavaScript was developed with one purpose in mind; provide a client-side scripting capability for the purpose of delivering an enhanced user interface. And if you look at most web applications you’ll find there’s not that much JavaScript really embedded within apps. It’s still used quite conservatively and at its most base level. Only mega-sites are implementing it on macro-cosmic levels, and even their developers carefully consider the weight of client-side vs. server-side implementations.
What’s the JavaScript Dilemma?
There really is none. It’s a false dilemma. There are a lot of things about the web development paradigms today I really like, others not so much. JavaScript is one of those technologies for which I’ve built a love-hate relationship. Nonetheless, it’s served me well over the years when I needed it and I’ve never had to worry about using it in other than minimalist fashion. Use best judgment for the needs of your application and you should be just fine. Trust me!
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